Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-23
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The plans below show a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 7.5)
The maps illustrate key structural changes made to Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.
Overall, the harbour has undergone significant modernization to enhance commercial and leisure facilities, with a noticeable shift toward accommodating tourism and increased maritime capacity.
On the western side, additional infrastructure has been built. A second car park and an adjacent showers and toilets block were constructed south of the original facilities. Consequently, the fishing boats area was relocated northwards, while the marina for private yachts was moved south into the newly developed pier section.
Along the central and eastern areas, notable developments include the conversion of the disused castle into a hotel, alongside changing the nearby southern public beach into a private beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Furthermore, new cafés and shops were built near the lifeboat station along the main access road. Finally, an additional dock was added in the water to expand passenger ferry handling capacities.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively covers all key features of the maps. You have successfully identified the main changes, such as the infrastructure developments on the western side and the conversion of the castle into a hotel. The overview is clear and highlights the general trend of modernization and commercialization. You have made relevant comparisons between the two time periods, such as the relocation of the fishing boats and the marina. The information is well-selected and reported accurately, meeting all the requirements of the task. The response is well-structured and provides a comprehensive summary of the visual data provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group information by location (western side vs. central/eastern areas). The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Consequently', 'alongside', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally', which help to link the sentences and ideas together. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the harbour's development. The referencing is clear throughout, ensuring that the reader can easily track the changes described in the maps.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and structural changes, such as 'modernization', 'infrastructure', 'relocated', 'conversion', and 'exclusively'. The word choice is precise and contributes to the clarity of the report. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation. You demonstrate a good awareness of collocation, such as 'passenger ferry handling capacities' and 'commercial and leisure facilities'. The vocabulary is sufficiently varied to convey the information effectively without being repetitive, and it is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a good range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and passive voice constructions (e.g., 'were constructed', 'was relocated', 'were built'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar and punctuation is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The use of tenses is consistent and appropriate for describing changes over time. The sentence structures are varied, which helps to maintain the reader's interest and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.
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